A toothache is a pain in and around the jaws and teeth. A decay, an infection, broken or loose fillings, or receding gums can cause toothache. If the pain lasts for more than 1 to 2 days, it is better to consult a dentist immediately. Until then, the below-mentioned home remedies for toothache may help you to get temporary relief for some time.
If you are suffering from a toothache, it is important to find out what is the root cause of your discomfort. From there, you can find out how to best relieve any sort of pain, swelling, or any other symptoms. Saltwater rinse regularly and application of cold compress can typically reduce minor irritation, but more severe toothaches may need the intervention of a dentist. If your symptoms persist for more than one day or two, you should consult your dentist. They can offer you guidance on how to relieve your signs and avoid future pain.
You must talk to your dentist before using any of these home remedies for toothache if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or suffering from any medical condition that may be worsened by using herbal ingredients.
Causes of toothache
Toothache is caused when something happens to your gums or teeth. They can also be triggered by pain in other body parts. Some common causes of toothaches include:
Jaw or mouth injury. These can take place from blunt force trauma to the facial area.
Sinus infection. Drainage from a sinus infection may cause pain in the teeth
Tooth decay. When a bacteria cause tooth decay, the nerves in your teeth may be exposed, which in turn may cause pain
Losing a filing. If your filing gets destroyed, the nerve inside the tooth may get exposed
Abscessed or infected tooth. Sometimes known as a dental abscess, this condition is defined as a pocket of pus in the tooth.
Food or other waste particles wedged in your teeth. Inorganic and organic matter wedged in your teeth can cause pressure between the teeth.
Wisdom teeth crowning or teething. If wisdom teeth are coming in, as well as breaking through the gums, they may be pressing the other teeth.
Gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease can cause pain or toothaches
Grinding. You may grind or tighten your teeth at night which can cause extra pain
Home Remedies for Toothache
An ice pack or cold compress: An ice pack or a cold compress can ease dental pain, mainly if a toothache is caused due to swollen gums or injury.
Rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide
As an alternative to saltwater, rinse with a solution made of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Wash thoroughly and spit it out. But, make sure you do not swallow hydrogen peroxide.
Saltwater mouthwash
Cleaning your mouth with warm salt water loosens the debris lodged in cavities or between the teeth. It may also lessen swelling, relives a sore throat, and at the same time boosts healing too. To prepare saltwater mouthwash, mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish around inside the mouth for nearly 30 seconds before spitting. This procedure can be repeated as often as required.
Painkillers
Over-the-counter medicine, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can provide temporary relief from toothache. An important thing that you must keep in mind is you should never give Aspirin to children who are below 16 years of age.
Garlic
Garlic has been widely used for medicinal purposes for a long time. It consists of a compound known as allicin, which is known to have powerful antibacterial properties. A fresh garlic clove should be crushed and mixed with salt. Then, you need to apply this mixture to the affected area.
Peppermint Tea
Like cloves, peppermint has numbing properties that can help you to get rid of toothache. Menthol, which gives peppermint a minty smell and flavor, is also a great antibacterial. Take one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves and put them in a cup of boiling water and steep for about 20 minutes. After permitting it to cool, it can be swished around inside the mouth then spit it out. A bit warm, the wet tea bag can also be utilized and held against the tooth for various minutes until the pain reduces. Take a cotton ball, add a few drops of peppermint oil to it. Then, place it against the affected tooth. It is one of the best temporary remedies for toothache.
Ice
One of the simplest home remedies for toothache is put some ice in your hand, on the same side of the body as a sore tooth. Rub the ice in the space between your forefinger and thumb for 7 minutes, or until that area becomes numb. Why does this work? Researchers believe that ice stops sending pain signals to your brain.
Clove oil
This is one of the best natural remedies for toothache. Take some clove oil and rub it on the sore area, or soak a cotton ball and dab it against the gums and tooth. It may be as effective as benzocaine, a numbing ingredient used in over-the-counter toothache gels.
Vanilla extract
The vanilla extract includes alcohol. The alcohol will number the pain for some time, and antioxidants in the vanilla may help it to recover. You can either use your finger or a cotton ball to apply a small amount of vanilla extract to your teeth and gum.
Teabag
You will need a tea bag and water. What you must do is take the tea bag and wet it with some water. Now, apply this tea bag to the tooth. If your tooth is not sensitive to cold, keep the teabag in ice water for some time before you use it. You should follow this at least once or twice a day, as needed. The tannins from the tea will help to reduce swelling and help you get relief from the pain.
Baking Soda
For this, you will require a cotton ball, baking soda, and water. First, moisten the cotton ball with some water and cover the whole ball with baking soda. Keep the cotton ball against the affected tooth to eradicate tooth pain. You can also combine a teaspoon of baking soda in warm water. Mix the powder and use this liquid in the form of a mouth rinse. Both can serve the same purpose.
You should apply this on the affected teeth twice or thrice till you get relief. It is amazing to see how many benefits baking soda has. It has anti-inflammatory properties that will relieve any kind of swelling. Its antibacterial nature will also help in treating any type of tooth or gum infection that may cause pain.
Thyme
Thyme is popular for its medicinal benefits and is an efficient remedy for chest infections, like whooping cough or bronchitis. Thymol, the main component in essential oil has antifungal and antiseptic properties. You can make a mouthwash by adding a drop of thyme essential oil into a glass of water. Another process by which you can get rid of your toothache is to sprinkle a few drops of water and thyme essential oil on a cotton ball. After adding water, you must place it against your painful tooth.
When you are dying of toothache, try any of the above-mentioned remedies for temporary relief.